2008 DEPARTURE DATES & BOOKING STATUS:
29 May - 11 Jun - Open
29 Jul - 11 Aug - Guaranteed *
14 Aug - 27 Aug - Open
* includes Total Solar Eclipse on 1 Aug
PRICE PP:
2 pax: 2218 USD
4 pax: 1976 USD
6 pax: 1720 USD
Single supplement: 75 USD
Each departure is guaranteed to run when 2 participants sign up. Then the trip status changes from “Open” to “Guaranteed”. The trip status changes to “Closed” when the maximum number of participants is reached.
TOUR INTRODUCTION:
The Altai Tavan Bogd mountain range lies in the far western corner of Mongolia and comprises of the highest peaks of the country, all above 4000 meters: Khuiten, Nairamdal, Malchin, Snowchurch and Cradle. Mongolia’s longest glacier the Potanin Glacier stretches for 19km from the eastern face of Mt. Khuiten.
The area is inhabited by the elusive Snow leopard, Wild mountain goat – Ibex, Argali Sheep and wolf.
Explore phenomenally scenic viewpoints of the Mongolian Altai. The tour is designed to allow you maximum altitude acclimatization topped by an ascent to 4374m Khuiten peak. Located at the border of 3 countries it will reward you with tremendous views over China and Russia. Plus a company of one of the most authentic ethnic tribes of Mongolia - the Tuvans, makes this journey an unforgettable cultural experience.
YOUR ITINERARY:
DAY 1: ARRIVAL TO MONGOLIA
Pick up from Ulaanbaatar (UB) airport and transfer to a cozy hotel within easy walking distance of downtown. After a short briefing we explore the vibrant city of Ulaanbaatar, the Palace of the last Theocratic ruler, followed by a unique show of throat singing and contortion. (hotel, L,D).
DAY 2: FLIGHT TO WESTERN MONGOLIA
Morning transfer to local airport for a 3 hours flight to Ulgy, the westernmost airstrip of Mongolia. Your guide accompanies you on the twin engine propeller aircraft. 90% of the area’s inhabitants are Turkish-like speaking Kazakh people who practice Islam. At the desert airstrip we’ll have picnic and start driving towards the Tavan Bogd range. At the end of 2 hours drive through desert we set up our tented camp in the green valley of the Deer stream.(tent, B,L,D).
DAY 3: DRIVE TO APPROACHES OF TAVAN BOGD RANGE
Driving further we reach the “gateway” of the Tavan Bogd National Park by early afternoon. Here is the magnificent valley of the glacial green White River overlooked by the Protector Mountain, a rich cradle of human habitation history. Hundreds of ancient graves and rock carvings lie around it. En route we visit a Kazakh yurt, or as it is locally called “ger”. These hospitable people have ancient traditions of falconry. Kazakhs employ Golden Eagles which are kept for hunting foxes, hares and other small animals. (tent, B,L,D).
DAY 4: TREK TO BASE CAMP
After a hearty breakfast we hike to base camp of the Tavan Bogd. This gradual ascent takes us through a high mountain terrain of rocks and wetlands. Not needing luck you will see some of the wildlife that inhabits the area including marmots, hares and a number of birds such us Golden Eagles, Black Vultures and Falcons.
Our entire luggage is transported by camels driven by Tuvan hunters. Upon completing two thirds’ of the way there open majestic perspectives of Potanin and Alexander glaciers backed by icy peaks of Khuiten (4374m), Nairamdal (4082m), Snowchurch (4071m), Malchin (4050m), and Cradle (4113m). This evening we camp at 2900m. (tent, B,L,D).
DAY 5: ACCLIMATION CLIMB TO MALCHIN PEAK
The 4051m Malchin is the lowest of the Five Peaks. We hike along Potanin glacier moraine for an hour to start climbing the scree. Malchin’s ridgeline overlaps with the borderline of Mongolia and Russia and provides a spectacular bird's eye view of Potanin glacier, glaciated peaks and Russia. Over to the north, weather permitting, you will see the massif of Mt.IIktu (3900m) lying in Russia. Back in base camp we reward ourselves with steaming coffee and tasty dinner. (tent, B,L,D).
DAYS 6-8: CLIMB KHUITEN PEAK
Our challenge for the following 3 days is the Khuiten peak. To reach its foothill we need to cross the Potanin glacier, which lies in between. A middle camp will be set below the eastern face of Khuiten. Though technically moderate we traverse a number of crevasses before the climb. Khuiten, the highest peak of the Mongolian Altai affords tremendous views over China and Russia. The evening of the 8th day we pass in warmth of the base camp. (tent, B,L,D).
DAY 9: LEEWAY DAY (tent, B,L,D).
DAY 10: RETURN TREK TO WHITE RIVER
Today we hike back to our camp in the White River valley. This time it is a gradual descent along the White river which takes its source from the Potanin glacier. It is a chance to glance into every single valley of the icy massif and witness how the initial stream of glacial dust transforms into mighty torrents of the White river. Back to our vehicles we celebrate our ascent with a delicacy of Kazakh cuisine - "besbarmak". Literally meaning "five fingers" this is a delicious assortment of stewed meat, vegetables and flour eaten with hands. (tent, B,L,D).
DAY 11: RETURN DRIVE TO AIRSTRIP, OVERNIGHT IN YURT
Saying “good bye” to our Tuvan friends we take a 7 hour drive back to desert airstrip. Tonight is your chance to sleep in a Kazakh ger. Hot shower and a cold beer will highlight the day. (yurt, B,L,D).
DAY 12: RETURN FLIGHT TO UB
In the morning we catch our return flight to Ulaanbaatar. We arrive in early afternoon and the remainder of the day is at leisure to explore this vibrant city, renowned as a city of contrasts. We will meet for a dinner in one of local multinational restaurants. (hotel, B,D).
DAY 13: LEISURE DAY IN UB
This is a spare day to be spent for shopping and self-exploration. You may refer to recommendations of our team in order to make most out of it. (hotel /B).
DAY 14: DEPARTURE
Transfer to airport for your return flight home. (B).
Notes:
PRICE INCLUDES:
All accommodation (twin shared), internal transportation, internal flights, arrival & departure transfers, meals as indicated (B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner), visits & environmental fees, camping equipment, English speaking guide, mountaineering guide, expedition chef, camel support.
PRICE EXCLUDES:
Travel insurance, excess luggage fees on internal flights, items of personal nature, personal climbing equipment such as crampons, ice-axes and carabineers, meals not indicated, gratuities.
Also see tour packages in:
Rock climbing and mountaineering outfitters
Asia
Mongolia
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